Orca
The orca, also known as the killer whale, is the ocean’s most formidable predator and the biggest member of the dolphin family.
Facts about Orca
- Antarctica
- Antarctic Peninsula
- South Georgia
- South Shetland Islands
- Arctic
- Canada
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Jan Mayen
- Svalbard
- South America
- Argentina
- Europe
- England
- France
- Portugal
- Norway
- Scotland
- Spain
Orca Quick Overview
Scientific Name: Orcinus orca
Population: Estimated between 50,000 and 100,000 globally
Regions: Worldwide, most common in cooler waters such as the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and around Antarctica; also found in temperate and some tropical regions
Destinations: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Jan Mayen, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard, Greenland, France, Norway, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, Argentina
Average Length: Adult: Males: ~6–9.8 m (20–32 ft), Females: ~5–8.5 m (16–28 ft); Newborn: ~2.4 m (7–8 ft)
Average Weight: Adult: Males: ~4,000–10,000 kg (8,800–22,000 lbs), Females: ~1,500–7,500 kg (3,300–16,500 lbs); Newborn: ~180 kg (395 lbs)
Diet Habits: Primarily carnivorous and opportunistic; diet includes fish, squid, seals, sea birds, dolphins, sea turtles, and even large whales like blue whales. Diet varies by ecotype.
Orca Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Orcinus
Species: Orcinus orca
Orca Explorer Passport
English: Orca / Killer Whale
Danish: Spækhugger
Chinese: 虎鲸 (Hǔ jīng)
Swedish: Späckhuggare
Finnish: Miekkavalas
Norwegian: Spekkhogger
Polish: Orka
Japanese: シャチ (Shachi)
Spanish: Orca / Ballena asesina
French: Épaulard / Orque
Unlocking the Secrets of the Orca
What does a killer whale look like?
Orcas are instantly recognisable because of their black-and-white colouring, tall dorsal fin, and sturdy body. The black-and-white colours help the killer whale blend in both from above and below. The dark colour on the back matches the dark surface of the sea, while the bright underside is visible from below against the lighter sky and sunlight.
How much does an orca weigh?
The killer whale is the largest mammal-eating predator that has ever lived. Males typically measure about 6-7 m and weigh 4-6 tonnes. The most significant male orca sized ever found was measured 9,8 m and weighed 10 tonnes. Females are usually 5-6 m long and weigh between 1.5 and 3.6 tonnes, while the record is 8.5 m and 7.5 tonnes. Additionally, a baby orca, or calf, weighs about 180 kg (395 lbs) at birth.
What do orca whales eat?
The killer whale diet is highly varied. Scientists have discovered the following in its stomach: fish, squid, seals, sea lions, walruses, birds, sea turtles, otters, penguins, other whales, polar bears, and lizards! It can also consume carrion, and traces of its own species, which may have been carcasses, have also been found. Among the more unusual meals reported are blue whales and great white sharks. Fish are generally the most important source of nutrition, but marine mammals and squid also play a major role.
Where are the orcas spotted?
Orca habitats typically favour cooler seas around Antarctica and are widely spread across the world's oceans. They are also often seen in warmer waters such as around Hawaii, Australia, the Galápagos, and the Bahamas, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and even upstream in rivers, for example, 177 km upstream of the Columbia River, and in the Rhine, the Thames, and Elbe. They prefer areas above the continental shelf, at depths of less than 200 metres where many fish are found, but avoid pack ice. In Canada and along the west coast of America, they follow seals and grey whales, while in the North Atlantic, they mostly follow herring.
Are orca whales dangerous?
Despite their name, orca attacks on humans in the wild are unknown. On the other hand, despite orcas having no natural predators, parasites, cancer-related diseases, stomach ulcers, atherosclerosis, and similar conditions are all factors that increase mortality.
Are orca whales dolphins?
Yes! Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family (Delphinidae). They share common features like conical teeth, advanced echolocation, and social behavior.
How fast can an orca swim?
The killer whale is one of the fastest swimmers among the whales. It can travel at a speed of almost 50 km/h, but it is rare for it to accelerate to this speed, which can only be maintained for a short time. In general, it swims at a speed of 3 to 10 km/h.
How Many of These 10 Orca Facts Did You Already Know?
Orca Fact #1:
In an orca diet, these animals consume 3-4% of their body weight daily, but during the growth period, 10% is required.
Orca Fact #2:
Orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family.
Orca Fact #3:
Orca whale pods operate as a matriarchal society, guided by a senior and experienced female.
Orca Fact #4:
Newborn calves weigh 130-180 kg and are approximately 2.5 m in length.
Orca Fact #5:
The females reach sexual maturity between six and ten years of age, while the males mature at ten to thirteen years.
Orca Fact #6:
Inside the orca eye, glands secrete an oily liquid that cleans the eye, helps streamline it while swimming, and may also have disinfectant properties.
Orca Fact #7:
The pregnancy lasts 17 months, which is the longest of any whales.
Orca Fact #8:
The orca has 40-56 conical teeth, each about 7.5 cm long from the gums.
Orca Fact #9:
Orca whales can effortlessly swallow an entire seal!
Orca Fact #10:
The orca whale's lifespan is about 60-90 years.
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